Yesterday I celebrated my birthday with my closest friends and family at an intimate brunch.

The theme of the day was bubbly and brunch, and we spent the day laughing and loving over mimosas and a homemade brunch.

When I decided to have this brunch, I wanted to do something like Oprah's favourite things show. But let's be serious, I do not have Oprah's cash flow, so my twist was making my favourite foods. The menu included: Belgian waffles, macaroni and cheese, coconut french toast, vegetarian baked beans, sautéed kale, fried chicken wings, jerk chicken skewers, and ackee and saltfish spring rolls. I wanted to combine my love of Southern cuisine and my West Indian heritage. The food was an absolute hit with my sister-friends.

Having this brunch was a great way to start off my new year. I really loved the small, intimate vibe and appreciated the fact that people got the opportunity to share their memories and well-wishes for my future. Plus it was fun to have my guests bring their chic game and dress it up on a Sunday.​

I'm sure I'm not the only one who enjoys shopping/buying things, even when I don't necessarily need them. On one of my pop ins at Value Village I picked up a few things that I knew would come in handy through this winter season and could transition into spring. Of course I never shop with out a discount. I believe I had 30% of each item.

I had secretly been searching for a fur like scarf. I had seen a few in Danier months back, but really wasn't interested in paying $99 . So when I saw this one hanging in the store I said to myself, "I'm not leaving with out this!" At $2.99 with 30% off, this was right in my price point.

The Aztec skirt has been an addition waiting to join my closet for some time, but for some reason I just never got around to bringing it home. LOL This awesome find is a piece that I can dress up or dress down and feel very comfortable in. With all the different colours, this skirt can be worn with almost anything. $7.99 with 30% off, allowed me to spend $5.56 on this key piece.

The final piece was an item that I just liked. I enjoyed the two different materials as well as the cut and colour. I plan to wear this shirt on a date night with my boothang! 😊 For $6.99 with 30% off, it was a great purchase in my opinion.

There are two things that I love in this world. TGIT and reading. So when I started to hunt for a book to start out my New Year, Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rhimes, was a no-brainer (although it was released in November).For those who live under a rock, Rhimes is the creative genius behind Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.

When I first started this book, I expected it to be a how-to-win-at-life-type book. That is not what I got, and to tell the truth I am glad that it wasn't. Instead I got a honest reflection of a self-proclaimed wallflower who owns the fact that she doesn't have all the answers, and wasn't particularly uncomfortable with staying in her box.

The book begins with a seemingly harmless grumble from a sibling, pointing out Rhimes inability to live in any moment. "You never say YES to anything…" unleashes a conflict in Rhimes inner being that could have sent her into a downward spiral, but ends up as an internal call to action to conquer the terrifying task of saying yes….to EVERYTHING!

From public speaking events to a smackdown with the PTA president, this book was filled with many laugh out loud moments and 'You Do That Too!' reader-to-book exclamations. I was happy to find that even at the top of her game, she doesn't have all the answers, nor does she want to. I think I enjoyed it so much because I felt like these were actual conversations that I have had with my friends and myself. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a comical insight to the world that few of us dare to admit we have.

With a new year comes resolutions. I'm not big on making or setting resolutions but I have always been athletic. As I get older it does become harder to keep my fly especially after 2 kids. So since my boothang has encouraged me to get fit by working out together, I knew I needed the right gear. When I heard of a fabulous local company that could provide awesome workout attire I knew I had to try it for myself.

These hot slimming pants (Anaconda)fit perfectly and stayed secure during my work out. I often have a difficult time keeping my spandex/tights up during a run or workout. No complaints from me.

Comfortable hot slimming capris made with our magic fabrics to help you sweat more during your daily activities. These pants are ideal for workout, long walk and long run. Great tool to enhance muscle performance and improve circulation. Helps gain the appearance of a visibly slimmer person and a more athletic looking physique. - GotyGoty.com

If you are looking for great workout gear and you would like to support awesome local creative talent, please swing by http://www.gotygoty.com/ to purchase all your workout gear essentials. I'm looking forward to my next workout in these bad boys! 😀

To all those married or thinking about marriage this year or the near future, don't shy away from discussing money. I know that you don't always want to share the ins-and-outs of what's happening financially, but not disclosing the information to your partner can cause real contention.

I recently was listening to a program on the radio show, Focus on the Family, on99.5 WDCX. They had a married couple discussing how they got out of debt and the way they discussed their finances in the home. Often times, there is always one person in the relationship who is the spender and one who the saver. Guess which one I am? I'm sure many would think that I am the spender but between me and boothang, he wins the race when it comes to spending.

We have been able to find the balance of discussing finances and how and on what we spend our money on. On the radio, the couple advised bringing up the topic with LOVE. It doesn't help to argue over money that has already been spent, or pressuring someone to follow a budget they don't understand. If the topic comes up in a loving way, it is more likely to be well-received and hopefully both parties will follow the outlined plan or budget.

There will be many times when you will want to make big purchases for the home or for the kids, and it is ideal for everyone to be on the same page. It's not fun to be surprised by a purchase that was not on the budget especially if the plan is to get the debt down. Communicate with each other and even if your spouse doesn't initially show interest, don't give up! Try different ways of explaining the plan and what you both can do with the your money if you are both on the same page.

Remember communication is key and don't let money control the happiness in the marriage; but be happy spending money the ways you want together.

Well its 2016 and guess what I'm still thrifting! More now then ever I am consciously making the effort to watch how I spend, where I spend and on what I spend it on.

​I recently went through my closet and sorted through the items that I haven't worn in the last year. I filled an entire garbage bag full clothes. While I am in no rush to restock those items, I used the time to reflect on all I have, and think about what I really need.

So in my reflection, I wanted to share 3 of my past thrift items that I love.

April 2013

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This aztec blazer top was purchased a few years ago. The colour and cut is what really grabbed my attention. I enjoy bright coulours especially in the summer time against my warm complexion. I don't remember exactly how much I paid for this item at VV Boutique; also known as Value Village, but I know it wasn't more than $8. It is originally from H&M and I paired it with a dress, belt, and red clutch all purchased from H&M.

Mar 2013

This lace dress it one of my all time favs. I really enjoyed the the cut and tried something new with the light colour. I usually shy away from pale coloured dresses but I really enjoy lace and was able to wear this dress multiple time pre and post baby. Again purchased from VV Boutique for $6.

May 2014

The year I had my youngest daughter was the year of the wedding. I must have attended 5 weddings that year. I really enjoyed this colbalt blue dress with this Navy sequenced Blazer. I don't usually wear blazers to weddings but the wedding I attended was an evening wedding and I thought I would try a different look. I thought it worked out well and the total cost for the dress and blazer was $14. I can only imagine how much it would have costed if I purchased these items in a regular department store.

It's 2016 and I have decided that in order to take care of my family, I've got to take care of myself. Like most moms out there, we put our families first and ourselves second. Here are some great ways to recharge yourself and recharge your family too!

1. Find the Quiet:Take some time for yourself in quiet solitude. Even if it's only a few minutes a day, put aside a little time to pray, reflect, meditate or just enjoy a up of tea. Doing this will allow you to center yourself, and will teach you family that alone time is a glorious thing.

2. Get Moving: Being active is easier said than done. For me, I always put off exercise because I have so many things to do for my family. But staying in shape will actually keep you around for your family long-term. Try doing squats while cooking or push-ups during commercial breaks. Make it a family thing and do a weekly fitness challenge.

3. Be Kind: Loving ourselves actually comes harder than loving others, as we are often our on worst critics. But if we don't love ourselves truly, who else will. So go ahead, say something affirming to yourself in the mirror each morning and watch the love overflow. Then go one step further and be intentional with your family by expressing that same daily sentiments in person of in a loving lunchbox note or text.

Small changes like this can recharge your physical and mental battery before you know it, leading to a happier, healthier you! Please share with us your best ways to recharge on Facebook with the hashtag #SbKrecharge2016.